Moving forward in reviewing the district’s policy on sex education in its high schools, the Tempe Union High School District is looking for parents and residents to participate in a committee for instruction.

This is the first time since the late-1970s the district will make any changes to its policy regarding sex education for students. In 2010, the district looked over every one of its policies, but put sex education on the back-burner for later discussion.

“We have stuff in there that was so archaic that I thought we’d be better off with no policy,” said governing board member David Schapira.

Soon after, a review committee was put in place and came forward with its first recommendation earlier this month.

In its second reading this week, district governing board members voted to review the policy with language revisions to reflect changes in the state statute.

State revisions include a definition of parental involvement in schools, allowable presentations for preference for childbirth and adoption, and curriculum that discusses sexual conduct with a minor, among others.

“We wanted a board committee to be made instead of an administrative one so the public could be involved,” said governing board vice president Mary Lou Taylor.

Tempe resident and former Corona del Sol High School parent Anna Chalmers said though she is conservative in believing in abstinence, she knows the reality of teen statistics and sexual activity.

“We need to give students choices and they need to be informed because we don’t live in an abstinent world,” she said.

For more information about the future committee regarding sex education policy instruction at the district, visit tuhsd.k12.az.us and select “TUHSD Committees” under the “Community” tab.